| Each voter is required to provide identification. This includes photo and non-photo identification.

+

| All voters are required to provide identification. This includes photo and non-photo identification.

<SPAN style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffff00"><u>'''''Note:'''''</u></span> Starting with the [[Alabama elections, 2014|June 2014 primaries]], each voter will be required to provide a valid photo ID. A 2011 voter photo ID law went into effect after the {{JP|Supreme Court of the United States}} overturned Section 5 of the 1965 [[Voting Rights Act]] on June 25, 2013, no longer requiring certain states to seek pre-approval for changes in voting laws.<ref>[http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/06/alabama_photo_voter_id_law_to.html ''AL.com'', "Alabama photo voter ID law to be used in 2014, state officials say," June 25, 2013]</ref> [[Alabama Attorney General|Attorney General]] [[Luther Strange]] said the [[Alabama Secretary of State|Secretary of State’s Office]] is in the process of developing rules for a new free voter ID.<ref>[http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/06/photo_voter_id.html ''AL.com'',"State has yet to seek preclearance of photo voter ID law approved in 2011," June 12, 2013]</ref>

<SPAN style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffff00"><u>'''''Note:'''''</u></span> Starting with the [[Alabama elections, 2014|June 2014 primaries]], each voter will be required to provide a valid photo ID. A 2011 voter photo ID law went into effect after the {{JP|Supreme Court of the United States}} overturned Section 5 of the 1965 [[Voting Rights Act]] on June 25, 2013, no longer requiring certain states to seek pre-approval for changes in voting laws.<ref>[http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/06/alabama_photo_voter_id_law_to.html ''AL.com'', "Alabama photo voter ID law to be used in 2014, state officials say," June 25, 2013]</ref> [[Alabama Attorney General|Attorney General]] [[Luther Strange]] said the [[Alabama Secretary of State|Secretary of State’s Office]] is in the process of developing rules for a new free voter ID.<ref>[http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/06/photo_voter_id.html ''AL.com'',"State has yet to seek preclearance of photo voter ID law approved in 2011," June 12, 2013]</ref>

| [http://www.sos.state.al.us/Elections/VoterID.aspx Link]

| [http://www.sos.state.al.us/Elections/VoterID.aspx Link]

|-

|-

| [[Alaska elections, 2012|Alaska]]

| [[Alaska elections, 2012|Alaska]]

−

| Each voter is required to provide identification. This includes photo and non-photo identification.

+

| All voters are required to provide identification. This includes photo and non-photo identification.

| [http://www.elections.alaska.gov/vi_hv_vote_polls.php Link]

| [http://www.elections.alaska.gov/vi_hv_vote_polls.php Link]

|-

|-

| [[Arizona elections, 2012|Arizona]]

| [[Arizona elections, 2012|Arizona]]

−

| Every voter is required to show proof of identity at the polling place before receiving a ballot. The voter must announce his/her name, place of residence and present photo identification.

+

| All voters are required to show proof of identity at the polling place before receiving a ballot. The voter must announce his/her name, place of residence and present photo identification.

<SPAN style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffff00"><u>'''''Note:'''''</u></span> [[Arizona Taxpayer and Citizen Protection, Proposition 200 (2004)|Proposition 200]], approved by voters in 2004, required voters to present evidence of U.S. citizenship prior to voting. The state's law was reviewed by the [[United States Supreme Court]] the week of March 18, 2013. (Case name: ''Arizona vs. The Inter Tribal Council of Arizona Inc.'')<ref>[http://www.azcentral.com/news/politics/articles/20130311arizona-voter-id-law-supreme-court.html ''The Republic'',"Supreme Court to weigh Arizona's voter-ID law," March 17, 2013]</ref><ref>[http://www.kmbz.com/Supreme-Court-to-Hear-Challenge-to-Arizona-Voter-I/15817667 ''KMBZ'',"Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to Arizona Voter ID Law," March 17, 2013]</ref> On June 17, 2013, the {{JP|United States Supreme Court|Supreme Court}} ruled that states cannot require proof of citizenship in cases of voter registration for federal elections unless the state receives federal or court approval to do so. The court ruled 7-2. Justices {{JP|Samuel Alito}} and {{JP|Clarence Thomas}} dissented. The current federal form asks if registering voters are citizens but does not require proof.<ref>[http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/supreme-court-strikes-down-arizona-voter-citizenship-law-144253348.html ''Yahoo News'',"Supreme Court strikes down Arizona voter ID citizenship law," June 17, 2013]</ref><ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/17/supreme-court-arizona-voter-registration_n_3453965.html?utm_hp_ref=politics&utm_source=feedly ''Huffington Post'',"Supreme Court Strikes Down Arizona Voter Registration Citizenship Requirement," June 17, 2013]</ref>

<SPAN style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffff00"><u>'''''Note:'''''</u></span> [[Arizona Taxpayer and Citizen Protection, Proposition 200 (2004)|Proposition 200]], approved by voters in 2004, required voters to present evidence of U.S. citizenship prior to voting. The state's law was reviewed by the [[United States Supreme Court]] the week of March 18, 2013. (Case name: ''Arizona vs. The Inter Tribal Council of Arizona Inc.'')<ref>[http://www.azcentral.com/news/politics/articles/20130311arizona-voter-id-law-supreme-court.html ''The Republic'',"Supreme Court to weigh Arizona's voter-ID law," March 17, 2013]</ref><ref>[http://www.kmbz.com/Supreme-Court-to-Hear-Challenge-to-Arizona-Voter-I/15817667 ''KMBZ'',"Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to Arizona Voter ID Law," March 17, 2013]</ref> On June 17, 2013, the {{JP|United States Supreme Court|Supreme Court}} ruled that states cannot require proof of citizenship in cases of voter registration for federal elections unless the state receives federal or court approval to do so. The court ruled 7-2. Justices {{JP|Samuel Alito}} and {{JP|Clarence Thomas}} dissented. The current federal form asks if registering voters are citizens but does not require proof.<ref>[http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/supreme-court-strikes-down-arizona-voter-citizenship-law-144253348.html ''Yahoo News'',"Supreme Court strikes down Arizona voter ID citizenship law," June 17, 2013]</ref><ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/17/supreme-court-arizona-voter-registration_n_3453965.html?utm_hp_ref=politics&utm_source=feedly ''Huffington Post'',"Supreme Court Strikes Down Arizona Voter Registration Citizenship Requirement," June 17, 2013]</ref>

| Each voter is required to provide state or federal photo identification, such as a driver's license, U.S. passport, state or federal employee badge, military ID, college ID or concealed carry permit.

+

| All voters are required to provide state or federal photo identification, such as a driver's license, U.S. passport, state or federal employee badge, military ID, college ID or concealed carry permit.

<SPAN style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffff00"><u>'''''Note:'''''</u></span> On March 19, 2013 the [[Arkansas Senate]] sent a voter-ID bill (SB 2) to [[Mike Beebe|Gov. Mike Beebe]] for final approval. The Senate voted 22-12 in agreement with a House amendment to the measure. According to reports, the governor planned to wait for [[Arkansas Attorney General]] [[Dustin McDaniel]] to respond to a lawmaker's question about the constitutionality of the bill. Prior to the Senate's vote the Senate Rules Committee issued a non-binding advisory opinion that the Senate had previously not properly passed the bill. The committee said that because SB 2 would alter the [[Arkansas Constitution]] it would require a 2/3 vote approval. The advisory opinion was rejected by the full Senate.<ref>[http://arkansasnews.com/sections/news/arkansas/update-senate-sends-voter-id-bill-governor.html ''Arkansas News Bureau'',"UPDATE Senate sends voter ID bill to governor," March 19, 2013]</ref> On March 25, 2013, [[Mike Beebe|Gov. Beebe]] rejected the bill. He wrote, the bill "unnecessarily restricts and impairs our citizens' right to vote." Beebe also noted that the implementation costs would rise to $300,000.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/25/politics/alabama-voter-id/ ''CNN'',"Arkansas governor rejects voter ID measure," March 25, 2013]</ref> On [[BC#March|March 27, 2013]] the [[Arkansas Senate]] voted 21-12, along party lines, to override the governor's veto.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/03/27/arkansas-senate-overrides-veto-voter-id-bill/ ''Associated Press'',"Arkansas Senate overrides veto of voter ID bill," March 27, 2013]</ref> On [[BC#April|April 1, 2013]] the [[Arkansas House of Representatives]] voted 52-45 in agreement with the [[Arkansas State Senate|Arkansas Senate]] to override Gov. Beebe's veto.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/02/us/arkansas-veto-of-voter-id-law-is-overriden.html?_r=0 ''Associated Press'',"Arkansas: Veto of Voter ID Law Is Overridden," April 1, 2013]</ref><ref>[http://bigstory.ap.org/article/ark-house-finishes-veto-override-voter-id-bill ''Associated Press'',"Arkansas' GOP-led Legislature passes voter ID law," April 1, 2013]</ref> The new law took effect January 1, 2014.<ref>[http://www.arkansasmatters.com/story/voter-id-law-rules-approved-aclu-promises-challenge/d/story/idNBnIC7WUuuTMltbe2zVA ''Arkansasmatters.com'', "Voter ID Law Rules Approved, ACLU Promises Challenge," October 9, 2013]</ref>

<SPAN style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffff00"><u>'''''Note:'''''</u></span> On March 19, 2013 the [[Arkansas Senate]] sent a voter-ID bill (SB 2) to [[Mike Beebe|Gov. Mike Beebe]] for final approval. The Senate voted 22-12 in agreement with a House amendment to the measure. According to reports, the governor planned to wait for [[Arkansas Attorney General]] [[Dustin McDaniel]] to respond to a lawmaker's question about the constitutionality of the bill. Prior to the Senate's vote the Senate Rules Committee issued a non-binding advisory opinion that the Senate had previously not properly passed the bill. The committee said that because SB 2 would alter the [[Arkansas Constitution]] it would require a 2/3 vote approval. The advisory opinion was rejected by the full Senate.<ref>[http://arkansasnews.com/sections/news/arkansas/update-senate-sends-voter-id-bill-governor.html ''Arkansas News Bureau'',"UPDATE Senate sends voter ID bill to governor," March 19, 2013]</ref> On March 25, 2013, [[Mike Beebe|Gov. Beebe]] rejected the bill. He wrote, the bill "unnecessarily restricts and impairs our citizens' right to vote." Beebe also noted that the implementation costs would rise to $300,000.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/25/politics/alabama-voter-id/ ''CNN'',"Arkansas governor rejects voter ID measure," March 25, 2013]</ref> On [[BC#March|March 27, 2013]] the [[Arkansas Senate]] voted 21-12, along party lines, to override the governor's veto.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/03/27/arkansas-senate-overrides-veto-voter-id-bill/ ''Associated Press'',"Arkansas Senate overrides veto of voter ID bill," March 27, 2013]</ref> On [[BC#April|April 1, 2013]] the [[Arkansas House of Representatives]] voted 52-45 in agreement with the [[Arkansas State Senate|Arkansas Senate]] to override Gov. Beebe's veto.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/02/us/arkansas-veto-of-voter-id-law-is-overriden.html?_r=0 ''Associated Press'',"Arkansas: Veto of Voter ID Law Is Overridden," April 1, 2013]</ref><ref>[http://bigstory.ap.org/article/ark-house-finishes-veto-override-voter-id-bill ''Associated Press'',"Arkansas' GOP-led Legislature passes voter ID law," April 1, 2013]</ref> The new law took effect January 1, 2014.<ref>[http://www.arkansasmatters.com/story/voter-id-law-rules-approved-aclu-promises-challenge/d/story/idNBnIC7WUuuTMltbe2zVA ''Arkansasmatters.com'', "Voter ID Law Rules Approved, ACLU Promises Challenge," October 9, 2013]</ref>

| Each voter is required to provide a driver's license number or state identification number. If voters do not have a driver's license or state ID, they may use the last four digits of their social security card. If they also do not have a social security card number, the state will assign a unique number which may be used for voting purposes.

+

| All voters are required to provide a driver's license number or state identification number. If voters do not have a driver's license or state ID, they may use the last four digits of their social security card. If they also do not have a social security card number, the state will assign a unique number which may be used for voting purposes.

| The state requires voters to provide their driver's license number. If they do not have a driver's license number, they may use the last four digits of their social security card. If they also do not have a social security card number, the state will assign a unique number which may be used for voting purposes.

+

| All voters are required to provide identification. This includes photo and non-photo identification.

Revision as of 15:12, 3 January 2014

Voter ID Laws are laws in each state that may require a voter to show government issued photo identification at the polling places. All states must meet the minimum requirement set by the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) which requires photo ID for those who register by mail and did not provide identification. However, some states have stricter requirements set by state law.[1]

If valid ID is not provided, most states issue a provisional ballot. Provisional ballots are usually counted once a voter's eligibility is confirmed. Some states require that confirmation be provided within a particular time frame following the election. Make sure to check your state for specific details.

(last updated December 11, 2013)

For the purposes of this page, we assessed each state's laws by categorizing them into two broad groups: whether the state does or does not require photo IDs on election day at polling locations.

Some states do require photo IDs in particular situations but not in general (first time voters, for example). On the tab called "Details by state" you'll find more information about upcoming changes in state laws, pending legislation and links to state documents that outline details about what is considered a valid form of identification.

All voters are required to show proof of identity at the polling place before receiving a ballot. The voter must announce his/her name, place of residence and present photo identification.

Note:Proposition 200, approved by voters in 2004, required voters to present evidence of U.S. citizenship prior to voting. The state's law was reviewed by the United States Supreme Court the week of March 18, 2013. (Case name: Arizona vs. The Inter Tribal Council of Arizona Inc.)[4][5] On June 17, 2013, the Supreme Court ruled that states cannot require proof of citizenship in cases of voter registration for federal elections unless the state receives federal or court approval to do so. The court ruled 7-2. Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas dissented. The current federal form asks if registering voters are citizens but does not require proof.[6][7]

All voters are required to provide state or federal photo identification, such as a driver's license, U.S. passport, state or federal employee badge, military ID, college ID or concealed carry permit.

Note: On March 19, 2013 the Arkansas Senate sent a voter-ID bill (SB 2) to Gov. Mike Beebe for final approval. The Senate voted 22-12 in agreement with a House amendment to the measure. According to reports, the governor planned to wait for Arkansas Attorney GeneralDustin McDaniel to respond to a lawmaker's question about the constitutionality of the bill. Prior to the Senate's vote the Senate Rules Committee issued a non-binding advisory opinion that the Senate had previously not properly passed the bill. The committee said that because SB 2 would alter the Arkansas Constitution it would require a 2/3 vote approval. The advisory opinion was rejected by the full Senate.[8] On March 25, 2013, Gov. Beebe rejected the bill. He wrote, the bill "unnecessarily restricts and impairs our citizens' right to vote." Beebe also noted that the implementation costs would rise to $300,000.[9] On March 27, 2013 the Arkansas Senate voted 21-12, along party lines, to override the governor's veto.[10] On April 1, 2013 the Arkansas House of Representatives voted 52-45 in agreement with the Arkansas Senate to override Gov. Beebe's veto.[11][12] The new law took effect January 1, 2014.[13]

All voters are required to provide a driver's license number or state identification number. If voters do not have a driver's license or state ID, they may use the last four digits of their social security card. If they also do not have a social security card number, the state will assign a unique number which may be used for voting purposes.

First-time voters are required to present identification. Valid identification includes photo ID that features voter's name and address or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or other government document that shows voter's name and address.

At the polls, valid photo identification with a signature is required. If photo identification does not contain a signature, voters will be asked for additional identification that does include a signature.

Each voter must present photo identification. Valid identification includes driver's license, state ID card, tribal ID card, United States passport, employee ID card or military ID card providing that it contains a photo of the voter.

In order to vote, voters must present valid photo ID with a signature. Additionally, voters will be asked to sign a poll book to record that they voted at the polling place. Voter Registration Notice is NOT an acceptable form of identification.

Voters must present valid photo ID. The name on the ID must match the name on the voter registration list (abbreviations and nicknames are acceptable). A name change requires the voter to re-register. If a voter is unable to show an acceptable ID, the voter is given the option to sign the Personal Identification Affidavit. On the Affidavit, the voter swears to his/her identity under penalty of perjury, a felony under 34-1114, Idaho Code.

"Any time a voter uses Early Voting, the voter must present a government-issued photo ID." An ID with your name and address is required. The IDs are not required to feature a photograph of the voter.[14] "If you register by mail, you must vote in person the first time, either at the polling place, in-person absentee or early voting, unless you submit with your mail-in registration form your driver license number or state ID number, the last four digits of your social security number, or one of the forms of ID listed below."[15]

Public Law 109-2005 requires Indiana residents to present a government-issued photo ID before casting a ballot at the polls on Election Day. Photo IDs must meet four criteria for voting purposes: display a photo; display your name (which should match voter registration record); display an expiration date and either be current or have expired sometime after the date of the last General Election; and be issued by the State of Indiana or the U.S. government.

The Kansas Secure and Fair Elections Act (S.A.F.E.) was signed into law on April 18, 2011 by Gov. Sam Brownback. Starting January 1, 2012, Kansas voters are required to show photo ID when voting in person. When voting by mail, voters are required to have their signature verified and include a copy of a valid photo ID. As of January 1, 2013, persons registering to vote for the first time must prove U.S. citizenship.

Voters are required to produce identification, however the identification does not need to feature a photograph. Election officers can confirm identity either by personal acquaintance or via a document.

Voters must present one of the following: a driver's license, a Louisiana special ID, or other generally recognized picture ID that contains your name and signature. If a photo ID is not presented, a utility bill, payroll check or other government document that includes your name and address can be presented. However, such voters would also have to sign an affidavit.

In general, most voters meet the necessary HAVA requirements during registration. Identification at the polls is usually only requested for voters that do not have a driver's license, state ID card, or social security card and who submitted their voter registration applications by mail after January 1, 2006; and those voters who registered to vote by mail between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2005 and have not yet voted for the first time.

Each voter must show a photo ID. Your photo ID does not need to have your address on it. Voters without photo ID may sign an affidavit attesting that he or she is not in possession of photo identification.

Government-issued photo identification is required. If a voter lacks photo ID, he or she may obtain one at no cost from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.[16]Note: Mississippi's 2011 voter ID amendment required an implementing statute and faced USDOJ pre-clearance, before it could take effect. In October 2012, the justice department requested additional information about the law. Mississippi voters, therefore, did not have to show proof of identification to vote in the November 6, 2012 elections.[17] In late January 2013, proposed administration rules for the new voter photo identification rules were submitted to the USDOJ for approval. According to reports, the rules allow for voters who lack an acceptable photo ID to obtain a free voter photo ID card by presenting the same identification materials accepted when a person registers to vote.[18] Since Section 5 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act was overturned by the United States Supreme Court on July 25, 2013, federal pre-approval is no longer required, allowing the 2011 voter ID amendment to go into effect.[19] Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann said the new photo ID requirements would not take effect until June 2014, as the state did not have time to issue every voter an ID by the November 2013 elections.[20]

Pursuant to Section 115.427, RSMO Supp. 2006, before receiving a ballot, voters are required to establish their identify and eligibility to vote. Valid forms of ID include: federal or state issued IDs, a copy of a current utility bill or bank statement, or a driver's license or state identification card issued by another state. If a voter does not possess valid identification, they may still cast a ballot if two supervising election judges (one from each major political party) verify that they know the voter. (Missouri Secretary of State: Voter ID requirements)

Voters are required to present identification prior to receiving a ballot. If you do not have a photo ID, you can provide a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, voter confirmation notice, government check or other government document that shows your name and current address.

Voters do not need to present identification in order to vote. Voters are asked for their ID if they are first time Nebraska registrants who mailed in their registration application and did not provide an ID at that time.

NRS 293.277. If a person's name appears in the election board register the person is entitled to vote. Voters must sign their name in the election board register at the polling place. The signature must be compared with the signature on a person's original application to vote or another form of identification. Other forms of identification include: a driver's license, a state identification card, military identification or another government issued ID.

Note: On June 27, 2012 the New Hampshire State Senate and House of Representatives voted to override the governor’s veto of Senate Bill 289. Senate voted 18-5, while the House voted 231-112. The two-thirds requirement to override the governor's veto was met. Both re-introduced and approved an amended version of House Bill 1354. The governor has five days from June 27 to sign, veto or let HB 1354 become law without his signature. The bill would require people to present photo identification when voting. Those who do not have a photo ID can vote a valid ballot after executing an affidavit right there at the polls.[21] Before implementation, the new law requires DOJ clearance.[22] New Hampshire debuted the new voter identification law in the September 2012 primaries. However, voters could still cast a ballot without an ID. For the November 2012 elections, voters could cast ballots without ID but they had to sign an affidavit. After the election, the attorney general's office planned to contact each person who signed an affidavit to verify the identity of the voter.[23]

If identification was not provided at the time of registering to vote or if the identification information could not be verified, a voter must show identification at the polling place. Identification includes: any current and valid photo ID or bank statement, car registration, government check or document, etc.

Voters are asked for their ID if they are first time voters who mailed in their registration application and did not provide verification of their identification. Note: On July 25, 2013 the North Carolina legislature passed a new voter ID law. The law "limits the kind of identification that voters can use at the polls to a North Carolina driver’s license, a state-issued ID card, a military ID, or a U.S. passport." According to the law, out of state licenses will only work for voters that have moved into the state within 60 days of the election. College IDs are not valid forms of identification. The approved bill also cut early voting.[24][25][26] Governor Pat McCrory (R) signed the bill into law on August 12, 2013.[27] Parts of the law take effect in 2014, although primary photo ID requirements will not take effect until the 2016 elections.[27][28] Two lawsuits were filed after the governor signed the bill, alleging that it discriminated against minority groups.[29] On September 30, 2013, the U.S. Department of Justice also sued the state over the new photo ID law, charging that the law's new limits on voting discriminated against minorities and thus violated the Voting Rights Act.[30] As of January 2, 2014, North Carolina residents who do not have valid forms of photo identification may apply for a free ID card at any North Carolina DMV.[31]North Carolina was the first state to approve a voter ID law since the SCOTUS June 2013 ruling, where the high court struck down portions of the federal Voting Rights Act.[24]

Voters must present identification before voting. Acceptable forms of identification must include the voter's address. If a valid form of identification cannot be produced, voters can still vote if either an election poll worker can vouch for their identity and residence; or if they complete a voter's affidavit.Note: On April 6, 2013 the North Dakota State Senate approved a voter identification bill. House Bill 1332 passed by a 30-16 vote. According to reports, the bill eliminates the voter affidavit process and requires a voter ID.[32][33] On April 12, 2013 the House voted 68-24 to pass House Bill 1332.[34]

On election day at the polling place, Ohio law requires that every voter announce his or her full name and current address. Additionally, voters must provide proof of their identity. A photo ID is not required.

Oklahoma State Question 746, approved in 2010, requires every voter to show proof of identity before receiving a ballot. Valid forms of identification are required to contain the name of the voter, a photograph and an expiration date that is after the date of the election.

Vote by mail. If you do not provide valid identification during registration, you will not be eligible to vote for Federal races. You will, however, still be eligible to vote for state and local contests.

All voters are required to show a photo ID before voting at a polling place. Valid photo IDs must include a current expiration date. If you do not have a valid photo ID and are unable to obtain a free photo ID from the state driver's license center, then you may cast a provisional ballot. In order for a provisional ballot to count, you must provide a photo ID or affirmation to your county elections office within 6 days. Note: On July 25th the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania heard a challenge from the ACLU and other voting rights groups.[35] Closing arguments were heard on August 2nd.[36] On August 16, 2012 Judge Robert Simpson didn't rule on the state constitutional merits, but he did throw out the ACLU challenge. According to reports, the ACLU plans to appeal the decision. For now, the voter ID law stands.[37] Supporters and opponents were scheduled to argue the validity of the state’s new voter ID law before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court on September 13, 2012.[38] On September 18, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued a 4-2 per curiam (unsigned) decision which sent the case back to the trial court for more fact finding.[39][40] The state's high court asked the trial court "to ensure there is 'liberal access' to new voting-only IDs and there will be 'no disenfranchisement' of voters on Nov. 6." An opinion was due to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court by October 2.[41] On October 2, 2012 a judge ruled that for the most part the Pennsylvania voter ID law can remain intact for November 6, 2012 elections.[42] However, a narrow injunction allowed those without IDs to cast a ballot. According to reports, the full trial would be scheduled after the November 2012 elections.[43] According to December 2012 reports, a trial date to determine the constitutionality of the state's new voter-ID law would possibly be scheduled for Summer 2013. For the May 2013 primary, Commonwealth Court Judge Robert E. Simpson Jr. said he would likely hold a hearing in the Spring to determine how to handle voter IDs for the primaries.[44] The state's voter ID rule won't be enforced during the May 2013 primary.[45]

Identification is required at the polls. If a voter is unable to present photo ID they can use certain non-photo IDs. The ID must include your name and address. Additionally, the identification must be dated since November 2, 2010, unless the document is of permanent nature (such as a birth certificate or social security card). In such cases, only a name is required to appear on the identification.

Voters are required to show any one of three forms of identification in order to vote: voter registration card, driver’s license or picture identification card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. The South Carolina Election Commission lists several reasons a person may be exempted from the photo identification requirement: religious objection to being photographed, disability or illness, work schedule, lack of transportation, lack of birth certificate and more.[46]Note: Pre-clearance for South Carolina's new photo ID law was denied on December 23, 2011. The state applied for reconsideration. However, on June 29, 2012, the U.S. Department of Justice again denied the new photo law.[47][48] South Carolina's Voter ID law is scheduled to go on trial August 27 until August 31.[49] In late September, reports indicated that the panel of federal judges was expected to issue its decision in October 2012.[50] In October 2012, a panel of federal judges ruled that given the time left before the November 2012 election, the photo ID law puts a burden on minority voters that violates the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Therefore, the law was blocked for the purposes of the November 6, 2012 election.[51] However, the three-judge federal panel ruled that the law does not discriminate against minorities. According to reports, the South Carolina voter identification law takes effect in 2013. Voters in the state are required to show one of five types of photo ID to cast a ballot.[52] The lawsuit cost a reported $3.5 million. According to a January 4, 2013 order filed in U.S. District Court in Washington by the three-judge panel,"South Carolina is accordingly entitled to costs from both defendants and defendant-intervenors" because it did win the case.[53] The government was order to pay $54,000 of the $3.5 million.[54]

All first time voters must show proof of identification. Approved forms of photo identification include: South Dakota driver’s license or nondriver ID card, U.S. government photo ID, U.S. Armed Forces ID, student photo ID from a South Dakota high school or South Dakota accredited institution of higher education or Tribal photo ID. If you do not have a photo ID, you can sign a personal identification affidavit.

At polling places, voters must show government-issued photo identification. Valid forms of ID do not include student ID cards from state universities.Note: Tennessee's voter ID law has been scrutinized by several courts. On September 26, 2012 a judge ruled that Tennessee's voter ID law did not violate the state constitution.[55][56] On October 25, 2012, the Court of Appeals upheld Tennessee's voter ID law as well, though the court did issue an order requiring state officials to accept Memphis library cards as government-issued photo identification. State officials announced plans to appeal the ruling over the library card, arguing that library IDs were not valid because they were not issued by the state government.[57] On February 6, 2013 the Tennessee Supreme Court was asked to decide whether the state’s voter ID law deprived people of the right to vote, if safeguards should be implemented to prevent election fraud and if a city-issued photo library card could be used as identification to vote.[58] On April 24, 2013 Gov. Bill Haslam signed into law a bill that required photo identification issued by the state of Tennessee or United States to vote, which made library cards and photo IDs issued by other states invalid. However, the Tennessee Supreme Court ordered that Memphis Public Library photo IDs be accepted until the court's final ruling.[59][60] In August of 2013, before the Tennessee Supreme Court issued their final ruling, the Tennessee Green Party filed a federal lawsuit attempting to get rid of Tennessee's voter ID law, claiming it was unconstitutional and unfair to minority voters.[61] The Tennessee Supreme Court issued their final ruling on the voter ID law on October 17, 2013, upholding the law and allowing the legislature to block the use of library cards as valid photo IDs.[62]

At polling places, voters must show government-issued photo identification. The issued IDs are free and valid for six years, following registration to vote, voters will receive a voter registration certificate. The certificate should be presented to an election officer at the polling place. Additionally, all voters who registered to vote in Texas must provide a Texas driver's license number, personal identification number issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety or the last four digits of their social security number.

Note: Before Section 5 of the Voter Rights Act was overturned on June 25, 2013, Texas' photo ID law, SB14, required pre-clearance by the USDOJ before going into effect. Pre-clearance was denied on March 13, 2012. A lawsuit was filed by the State of Texas. Hearings started July 9, 2012. Texas v. Holder, 12-00128, U.S. District Court, District of Columbia (Washington).[63][64] On August 30, 2012, a three-judge panel in United States District Court for the District of Columbia unanimously struck down the Texas photo voter identification law. The court ruled that the law would hurt minority voter turnout and impose strict burdens on the poor.[65] On December 17, 2012 a federal court deferred proceedings in a lawsuit filed by the state of Texas about the state's voter ID law. The federal court said that it would wait until the U.S. Supreme Court rules on whether part of the Voting Rights Act is constitutional.[66]Texas, Appellant v. Eric H. Holder, Jr., Attorney General The law immediately went into effect on July 25, 2013 after the overturned section of the Voter Rights Act by the Supreme Court determined that Texas was no longer required to get pre-clearance for changes to election laws. Attorney General Eric Holder has asked the Justice Department to require that these changes be approved federally, but Texas Governor Rick Perry and attorney general Greg Abbott are opposed to that process stating it would weaken the state's voter-integrity laws and elections process.[67][68] On August 22, 2013 the USDOJ sued Texas over the SB14 voter ID law, using a different section of the 1965 Voting Rights Act to claim that the law would result in "denying or abridging the right to vote on account of race, color, or membership in a language minority group.” [69] The opening arguments for the case will begin in September of 2014.[70]

At the polling place, voters can either present a form of identification that bears the name and photograph of the voter or two forms of identification that bear the name of the voter and provide evidence of the voter’s residence.

For persons who registered to vote in Virginia by mail, federal law requires them to show identification when voting for the first time in a federal election if they did not send a copy of one of these IDs with their voter registration applications. Virginia law requires all other voters to provide identification at the polls, or sign an Affirmation of Identity under felony penalty, in order to vote at the polls. Note: On May 20, 2012 Gov. Bob McDonnell signed legislation that requires someone without identification to vote provisionally. This would eliminate the Affirmation of Identity. According to reports, the U.S. Justice Department must determine whether Virginia's new law is constitutional. On August 20, 2012 the Justice Department approved the voter ID changes.[71] On February 20, 2013 the Virginia House approved a strict photo identification bill with a vote of 65-30. The bill would require all voters to present photo identification to cast a ballot. Voters without photo identification would be required to cast a provisional ballot that would only be counted if proper identification was displayed by noon on the Friday following the election.[72] On March 26, 2013 Gov. McDonnell signed the bill into law. The new law goes into effect for 2014 elections.[73]

Photo ID is not currently required in Wisconsin. Note: On March 6 and March 12, 2012, two separate judges issued injunctions preventing the Government Accountability Board from enforcing photo ID requirements in 2011 Act 23. The Wisconsin Department of Justice appealed those injunctions and the appeals have been certified to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which on April 16 sent them back to the respective Courts of Appeals. In mid-July 2012, Dane County Circuit Judge David Flanagan ruled that "the state's requirement that all voters show photo ID at the polls creates a 'substantial impairment of the right to vote' guaranteed by the state constitution." An appeal was filed, however, the court is not expected to rule until after November 2012. This means that photo IDs will not be required at the polls in the August 14 primary and November 6 election.[74] On September 27, 2012, the Wisconsin Supreme Court declined to take the case, for the time being. The high court said that if it were to review the law, it would hear arguments from both cases at the same time. Following the court's decision, an initial appeal brief was filed in one of the cases.[75] On January 14, 2013, the Wisconsin Supreme Court again refused to take the case.[76] On May 30, 2013 a state appeals court overturned the Dane County Circuit Court Judge Flanagan's ruling. However, the voter ID requirement remains blocked because it remains pending in another case.[77] In November of 2013, a federal judge reviewed the case. The decision is expected in early 2014.[78]

Photo and non-photo identification is acceptable in Wyoming. Identification should include the voter's name and address. Valid ID includes: photo IDs, United States passport, identification card from a state university, social security card, current utility bill, current bank statement, etc.